HR0996 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0996 LRB104 22502 ECR 38947 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Bishop James Curtis Austin Sr. of Chicago, who passed away on June 30, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Austin was born on January 3, 1946; he received his call to ministry prior to receiving a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1967; he was joined in holy matrimony to his beloved wife, Lady Vernesta T. Austin, with whom he shared a beautiful life, including raising their children, James Jr. (Yashika), Dorcas, Prisca, and Marcus, and grandchildren, James Curtis "Hudson" Austin III and Violet Dolores Austin; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Austin was a dedicated pastor, spiritual teacher, and uncompromising preacher of his faith; he was appointed pastor of the St. Luke Church of God in Christ, the largest progressive Pentecostal church on the Near North Side of Chicago, in 1978; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Austin was consecrated to the sacred office of bishop in 2004, serving as the Prelate of Illinois East Fifth Jurisdiction and overseeing more than 15 churches in the Church of God in Christ while also serving with distinction in The National Adjutancy Corps of the Church Of God In Christ; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Austin continuously served the underserved and the underprivileged in the Near North Chicago community, where St. Luke has stood for more than 75 years, and around the world, partnering with organizations, including Tabitha House, a home for the homeless, and supporting the nation of Liberia in West Africa, which became a special concern of his heart after traveling there in March 2018; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Austin was a visionary leader whose accomplishments included producing "The Legacy of a Leader", a commemorative documentary on the life of the late Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, and authoring two inspiring books, Preach, a collaboration with Lady Austin, and The God-Ordained Life; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Austin led the St. Luke Church of God in Christ Youth Choir to great acclaim, having served as its president, director, and soloist since its formation in 1963, leading the choir to record for Harold Freeman's Righteous label, GJ, Millennial, and privately-pressed albums; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Austin found joy during his downtime in riding his bike along the Chicago lakefront, taking brisk walks, traveling, reading, and spending cherished moments with his family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Bishop James Curtis Austin Sr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bishop Austin as an expression of our deepest sympathy.